Jane Jenkins Herlong - Rhinestones on My Flip-Flops: Choosing Extravagant Joy in the Midst of Everyday Mess-Ups

D addy had just tied the Minx, our little boat, at the dock on Abbapoola Creek. My heart was filled with a combination of summer memories and sadness as Momma and Daddy told us to wave good-bye to my favorite beach, Bird Key. Fall was in the air in the Lowcountry; change was coming.

Back at home, I sat on my bed fighting the tears; the summer fun at Bird Key beach was over. My thoughts were interrupted with, Jea-un, I need to talk with you! Mommas voice had a tone of urgency.

I sat at the yellow table and watched the hands on our clock. When is my mother going to be finished with this important talk? I wondered. My twelve-year-old mind heard only the words once a monthbody changing

Finally, Momma said, Do you understand?

Yes, I lied.

Okay, do you have any questions?

Yes. When does Daddy do this?

The crease between Mommas eyebrows deepeneda sure sign I had stretched her patience to the limit. She said, Daddy does not do this. He shaves.

But women shave too. What do you call this thing? I asked.

It is your period, Momma replied.

Now that I have experienced this event and all the highly charged emotions that go with it, I think the name period needs to be changed to exclamation point. Girls should be told, Once a month, you will experience your exclamation point, which sounds much more appropriate to me.

After that conversation with Momma, I told my BFF all the details I thought I knew.

So how do you protect your clothes? she asked when I finished.

Before I share my brilliant answer, let me remind you that back then only one feminine protection product was marketed: Kotex. Momma says you wear a Q-tip.

My conversation with Momma introduced me to the curse and the word cycle. No more training wheels, skateboards, or pink bicycles with white banana seats. My childhood innocence was moving quickly into womanhood.

I did not like it one bit; it was my first major life flip-flop.

The reality is that our lives are one gigantic wheel of change. During adolescence, I was worried. I wondered if I would mature along with other girls my age and eventually look like the super-cute, older girls. It seems like once those changes start, our lives transition into light speed with marriage and children, followed by more interesting changes. And as life unfolds, we will experience inevitable challenges or flip-flops that can affect our sense of self, security, and faith.

Rhinestones on My Flip-Flops shows women how to thrive in the midst of lifes changes and challenges. Prudent women search for living examples, or WOW (women of wisdom), as a how-to manual.

Iconic women of the Bible also give us instruction. Here is a partial list of remarkable ladies who have had some major flip-flops and rhinestone moments too: Deceived Eve; Domestic-Diva Martha; Fearless, Fabulous Esther; Mother-of-Nations Sarah; Salty Mrs. Lot; and Dynamic Duo Naomi and Ruth. Coupled with some modern-day ladies, these biblical women provide insights with their personal flip-flops.

I have learned from many WOW in my life. Do you surround yourself with great friends who teach you about handling stress, sickness, marriage, children, aging, and other things? I have my long list of girlfriends who give me sound advice whether I like it or not.

So strap on your sandalsY-shaped, strap, or thong (for your feet, that is)and lets walk the journey of womanhood. I can guarantee that you will get sand between your toes on this wonderful, terrifying, and exhilarating trip. Well climb mountains, cruise into the plains, and plummet into some valleys as we search for our eternal heavenly summer. The unknown route of your journey can be rewarding and fulfilling if you pack your suitcase with humor and sound teaching. Its all about learning how to keep the sparkle and shine on our God-given talents as we experience lifes inevitable flip-flops.